These experiences revealed a universal pain point: the cost and complexity of accessing capital at the right time with transparency. I kept encountering this issue, and eventually, with the encouragement of friends, family, and mentors, I took the leap to start Receive. It wasn’t easy, but I had an incredible support system that believed in me and the vision for what we could accomplish.

Andy: It’s clear you’re passionate about what you do and have the experience to back it up. Many successful entrepreneurs solve problems they’ve encountered themselves. What drew you specifically to alternative financing?

Ariel: Cash flow is critical for any business, and alternative financing intrigued me because of its potential to meet businesses where they are—not where traditional banks think they should be.

I deeply respect what banks offer; they’re the cornerstone of financial systems worldwide. But with technology advancing so quickly—APIs, real-time data, and infrastructure improvements—I saw an opportunity to do something a little different. My goal was to create solutions that are innovative yet grounded in the needs of today’s small businesses.

Moving to Tel Aviv was also a big influence. It’s an entrepreneurial hotspot, with brilliant minds constantly challenging the status quo. Being surrounded by people who ask, “Why not?” instead of “Why?” really inspired me to push boundaries and think differently.

Andy: That’s a powerful mindset. Could you explain what alternative financing is for those who might not be familiar, and what options are available?

Ariel: Absolutely. Alternative financing refers to using technology and data to create more innovative, small-business-friendly ways to access liquidity.

It’s a broad term, and the best option depends on the business. For example, some might consider a merchant cash advance, but that’s not always the best solution. At Receive, we ask: Do you really need the full amount? Let’s say a business is approved for $10 million but only needs $2-3 million. We aim to help them access just what they need, saving significant interest costs.

Our approach is about saying yes to rethinking traditional frameworks. While conventional institutions often stick to rigid systems, we’re committed to finding solutions tailored to the unique needs of small businesses.

Andy: That’s an admirable approach—focused on adapting to real-world needs. It’s inspiring to hear how you’re making alternative financing more accessible and practical for small businesses.

Ariel: Thank you, Andy! It’s been an incredible journey so far, and we’re just getting started. Ariel: Absolutely, we take a very customer-centric and intuitive approach to ensuring our clients can achieve their goals. Our tech, product, and sales teams are highly collaborative and aligned, which creates a dynamic and innovative environment. It’s an exciting time to be pushing boundaries and asking, “Why not?” instead of, “Why can’t we?”

Andy: I imagine you’re also moving away from the traditional reliance on credit scores and exploring other indicators for lending. Are you using alternative signals to determine creditworthiness?

Ariel: Definitely, but without giving away too much of the secret sauce, credit scores often fall short as a comprehensive measure. For instance, factors like medical bills or unexpected life events can impact scores unfairly, and that doesn’t always reflect a person’s or business’s actual financial behavior.

We’re also on the cusp of an open banking era, which is transforming financial transparency and empowering consumers. At Receive, we’re focused on small businesses—critical drivers of the U.S. economy, employing over 90% of the workforce. Our mission is to rethink liquidity access with innovative solutions, like avoiding APRs or offering real-time funding. We challenge the norms to find better ways of supporting our customers.

Andy: I love your vision. With interest rate cuts happening soon, how do you see that affecting alternative financing and the broader financing landscape?

Ariel: Traditional financing relies heavily on interest rate changes, but alternative financing tends to innovate around other factors, like risk assessment and monetization strategies. While we partner with banks and respect the critical role they play, our business isn’t as dependent on rate changes.

That said, neither a zero-interest environment nor excessively high capital costs is ideal. The key is balance—ensuring affordability while maintaining market stability. The real focus should be on long-term customer value rather than short-term gains. Companies today are becoming more innovative and customer-centric, which I think is where the real progress lies.

Andy: Agreed. A great customer experience is essential in today’s competitive environment. Speaking of which, what factors should small businesses consider when choosing financing or cash flow tools?

Ariel: It depends on the specific needs of the business. Is it seasonal? Looking to expand? Covering payroll? The solutions vary based on the situation. Businesses should think beyond immediate needs and consider long-term implications.

For instance, a loan with high interest rates or restrictive covenants might solve short-term cash flow issues but could hinder growth later. The beauty of alternative finance is its flexibility and the wealth of information available online. Our goal is to empower businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed decisions that align with their growth objectives.

Andy: That’s a smart approach. Alternative financing can be a game-changer, especially for businesses that don’t fit the traditional mold. Educating small business owners about their options seems like a big part of the solution.

Ariel: Absolutely. Education is critical. Many small business owners aren’t aware of the full spectrum of financing options available to them. It’s about helping them understand what’s possible and guiding them toward the solutions that best fit their needs.

We’re fortunate to have supportive investors who align with our vision. We’re here to provide businesses with flexible liquidity options that reduce reliance on traditional loans, saving them money and supporting sustainable growth.

Andy: Looking ahead, what financing trends do you see shaping the industry in the next few years?

Ariel: One major trend is the embedded nature of finance. My experience at Green Dot and Melio reinforced how valuable it is for businesses to have a single source of truth. Managing multiple platforms can be overwhelming, so embedding financial services within existing tools creates seamless experiences.

For SaaS companies, this is an exciting opportunity. By offering complementary financial products, they can increase user engagement, enhance lifetime value, and deliver daily value to customers. It’s about moving beyond just rates or features and creating a holistic, user-friendly ecosystem.

Andy: That’s a compelling vision. You’re right—winning on customer experience is key. Companies don’t need to race to the bottom on pricing or features; they can stand out by providing a superior experience.

Ariel: Exactly, Andy. A great user experience fosters loyalty, encourages adoption, and creates brand ambassadors. Whether in financing or SaaS, focusing on the customer journey is how you build long-term success and a thriving community around your product. (17:10) "But would you rather have 10,000 engaged customers who are using three, five, or even seven products and have been with you for four to seven years? I think the metrics have shifted a bit. Also, tying back to your previous question about interest rates, VC funding has slowed, and various factors are causing some fluctuations. I think part of this is the tightening of belts, and we're seeing people focus on how to drive the most value for their customers, build long-term relationships, and establish partnerships. I remember a town hall where I heard Ken Chanel speak about this—it blew my mind. He was a visionary and an incredible leader. It made me think about how we can do the same: how do we reach our audience and create a fantastic experience? We have our competitive edge—like not charging APR—but there’s still so much more to be done."

(18:00) "Expanding on that, we talked about how customer experience is such a great tool for SaaS companies to leverage in order to win and retain customers. Do you have any additional tips for SaaS product companies to gain initial traction and scale from there?"

(18:31) "Well, I'm not a SaaS expert by any means, but I’ve learned a lot from our investors who are some of the best in the SaaS space. One of the things I find most interesting is that it’s not just about honing in on an ideal customer profile (ICP) that you think will work—it’s about listening to your customers and understanding what they really need. I always think about the story of Slack. They started as a gaming company before pivoting to messaging. Not every company starts where it ends, but by listening and being flexible, you can make a huge impact. That’s the advantage of the world we live in today—we can pivot quickly and adjust when we see traction. Flexibility is key."

(19:24) "Exactly! In today’s fast-paced business environment, generalized products don't work for everyone. It's all about specialization and creating experiences that cater to specific customer needs. It all starts with listening to them and understanding what matters most to them, rather than making assumptions."

(19:53) "Right. At some point, you have to take a leap of faith. I don’t consider myself an entrepreneur, but I’ve seen these amazing men and women build incredible businesses. I’ve learned a lot from them. They have a thesis and they stay open-minded. It reminds me of playing hockey—when you lean on a stick, it bends. They call it 'flex.' I try to keep that in mind every day."

(20:41) "That’s a great point. I think the key takeaway here is that entrepreneurship isn't just about the label—it’s about the actions you take. Anyone can be an entrepreneur by the things they do, not just by starting a company. You’ve clearly accomplished a lot, so kudos to you and your team."

(21:10) "I’d love to hear a success story from your platform, where you helped a customer improve their financial situation."

(21:33) "I can't reveal names, but we had a customer who desperately needed inventory, but their sales were tied up. It was a tough situation, but we were able to provide the liquidity they needed, and once the money hit their account, their sales immediately picked up. They’ve been one of our longest-standing customers, and it’s been incredible to watch them grow. We’ve also worked with customers whose cards went stale, and they lost money. We’ve been able to tweak our products and come up with solutions to help them. It’s been really special to see how we’ve been able to make a difference for them."

(21:57) "I always tell people, if you’re willing to take a chance on someone, be patient. Believe in the future, not just in today’s struggles. Things will go wrong—Wi-Fi might go out, you might lose something—but that’s just part of the journey. It’s rewarding to see customers grow, and they’ve helped us grow, too. They make us better."

(22:26) "That’s so true. It’s not about easy wins. You can reflect on the challenges you’ve overcome and appreciate how far you’ve come. It’s more rewarding than if everything just worked perfectly from the start. But I’ll admit, during those 3 AM moments, I might not always feel that way."

(22:55) "It’s all worth it though. Even during those late-night calls, I remind myself how lucky I am to work with such a talented team and incredible businesses. I could have only dreamed of this opportunity. Some people know exactly what they want to do from the start, but I’ve had a more winding journey. It’s a blessing to be where I am today."

(23:48) "When you're passionate about something, the day never really ends at 5. It's the journey, not the destination, that matters. I love fintech. I love the movement of money. It’s fascinating how technology has democratized access to liquidity. We’ve gone from mailing a dollar to sending it via Venmo with the push of a button. It’s amazing to think about what technology has made possible. We can now build financial products at a lower cost than ever before, and it’s great to see how banks and fintech players are working together to push this forward."

(24:39) "We’re in an incredible time where we can build financial products at a lower cost and democratize access to liquidity. We’ve had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful investors, friends, family, and customers who believe in us. It’s a special experience to marry passion with the people you love."

(25:11) "Absolutely, and you get to be part of so many success stories. When a customer tells you that you helped them achieve something, it’s incredibly rewarding. There are sleepless nights, but when you get those notes, it makes everything worthwhile. It’s not easy, but it’s fulfilling."

(25:43) "For companies interested in working with Receive, what should they know about the process and what evaluation criteria do you use?"

(26:11) "We’re listed under the accounting and finance section in the Nacho Nacho marketplace. To get started, companies need to pass KYB (Know Your Business) to verify their identity. Once everything checks out, we’ll ask you to connect to our platform. We have integrations with Shopify, Amazon, Stripe, Square, and 19 other platforms. Once connected, you can link your bank account, and we’ll review everything in real time. Based on that, we’ll provide you with 'spending power'—liquidity to grow your business in real time. As your sales grow, we can increase your spending power accordingly."

(27:08) "It’s been interesting to see how we’ve worked with a variety of industries. E-commerce has been our bread and butter, but we’ve also worked with auto body shops, coffee shops, and more. If you use platforms like Square, Stripe, or Shopify, you can work with us. Our goal is to provide liquidity to every SMB, whether online or on Main Street."

(27:33) "To sum it up, companies should consider these three things when looking to work with us: First, understand how we work, which you'll learn during the sign-up process. Second, go through the sign-up process and know that we have a dedicated team ready to help you. And third, we’re here to help you grow your business, providing real-time liquidity and support along the way." We understand there’s a lot we know, but there’s probably even more we don’t know. The sign-up process takes less than a minute, and once you're through the gate, we’ll reach out. We’ve built some great engagement tools, and we’re particularly proud of our dashboard, where you can get a consolidated view of everything you’ve sold, everything you've spent on the card, and everything that’s going to be pulled. We view it as a “center of financial truth,” helping businesses get a 360-degree, holistic view of their operations to grow more effectively.

That's the vision in a nutshell.

(28:26) You guys have a great vision, and I'm really impressed. So, for anyone who wants to learn more about Receive's services, you can visit nowreceive.com. Remember, "Receive" as in receiving money—an essential part of any business's growth. That’s nowreceive.com. You can also find them in the Nacho Nacho marketplace, where I believe we have a special offer for zero fees and no interest, which is a no-brainer for any company. Definitely check it out today, either in our marketplace or at nowreceive.com. Sign up now, and your business could be growing faster and more efficiently tomorrow!

(29:14) 100%. Thank you, Andy, for having us, and to any prospective customers, we look forward to welcoming you with open arms and helping you grow your businesses. We can’t wait! And Andy, thank you so much.

It’s been a pleasure. Thank you, and have a wonderful day, everyone!